2013 is winding down and looking forward to 2014

Just over a week left in 2013.  It time to look back on what was accomplished this year both out on the course in and my personal life.  Much has changed as I look forward to moving forward on some new set goals for my self.  In 2014 I look to set out on my first solo 12 hour mountain bike endurance race as well as take on training and running in another marathon.  Both of these events are a good 6 months away so many hours of training and preparation are in store.  I am fully healed from previous injuries from 2013.  Raise your glass and celebrate what 2013 was and here is to a great and even better 2014.

Heat for relief

About ten years ago I received a corn filled heating pad to help relieve aches and pains.  It works great.  Last summer it had a rip in it and had to throw it away.  A few weeks back, I picked up some jean type fabric and rice and had my wife sew me up a new one, well actually four of them.  This time we used rice inside the pad instead of the corn.  We throw them in the microwave for up to three minutes and there you have it.  The heat stays good for about 10 to 15 minutes sometime longer.

Now what is a pad used for you may ask. It can help relieve pain from muscle strain. It dilates the blood vessels around the are of pain increasing blood flow providing oxygen and nutrients to help heal the damaged muscle. It can be used all over the body, feet, neck, lower back, knees, you get the picture. 

I like to use them to warm my cold toes after a bike ride or run out in the cold.  My kids love to use them under their pillows in the their beds to keep warm with on cold winter nights.